Community Advocate - Bi-Lingual (Defensor comunitario - Bilingüe)

Michigan Humane•Detroit, MI

1d•Remote

About The Position

The Community Advocate assists with planning, monitoring and managing all aspects of Michigan Humane’s Humane Communities initiative, a program that works to support both ends of the leash through compassionate care and human partner referrals. Community Advocate’s provide information & referral, outreach and support services to the Metro Detroit community through direct outreach, partnering with other non-profits to support the whole family (those with pets), and work to provide other community-oriented animal welfare services. This person works as a partner to pet owners providing necessary support to keep the animal in the home and out of the shelter, resolving the human-centric issues that lead to surrender in the first place.

Requirements

Ability to prioritize tasks, take initiative and work in a fast-paced environment
Well organized with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
Ability to work independently with limited supervision or collaboratively with a team
Ability to solve problems and resolve conflicts, using good interpersonal skills
Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. repeatedly
Ability to consistently adhere to prescribed protocols

Nice To Haves

BSW preferred, or 3+ years related experience.
Bilingual Spanish/English preferred.
Strong customer service skillset critical to success.
Experience working in the field of Human Service/case management, specifically with low-income populations.
Willingness to get a chauffeur’s license.
Familiarity with Detroit communities, especially Southwest or North End communities preferred
Prior experience working with volunteers preferred but not required
Proficient use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Outlook) together with solid Internet and social media skills.

Responsibilities

Provides outreach services to the community through door-to-door work in Metro Detroit in partnership with the coordinators, attending block clubs and neighborhood meetings, and other outreach services as needed.
Safety Net programmatic support. Safety Net is a foster program for families who temporarily are unable to care for pets. This role will assist the manager in occasional touch bases and providing navigational support for resources as needed.
Work with the Volunteer Team to recruit, educate and provide resources for Safety Net foster volunteer families
Build relationships and rapport in the community to drive conversations around spay/neuter, medical services, and other support we offer as an organization.
Design a personalized plan for safety net clients and provide relevant resource referrals to promote self-sufficiency with the goal to reunite clients with their pets.
Provide educational opportunities to groups in the Detroit community in conjunction with medical staff.
Coordinate and attend outreach events in order to provide support to underserved and low-income communities in need
Build effective bridges to other human support partners in order to cultivate referrals to MH services and increase avenues of support for clients we serve.
Connect clients in crisis to human and pet-centric resources
Lead on effective community organizing to work with community members in building programs that are community driven and last beyond our engagement.
Support facility efforts to engage effectively with clients through compassionate, whole-family engagement.
Distribute pet food and supplies to clients while providing excellent customer service by treating clients with dignity and respect.
Provide one-on-one customer service and/or humane education to clients, including warm handoffs and referrals to other human services offered in the community.
Complete daily data entry using databases, spreadsheets, and software programs to track inventory donations and usage as well as volunteer events.
Miscellaneous projects as requested.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits
Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance
403(b) Retirement Savings Account
Opportunities for professional development, growth, and continuing education
A positive and collaborative work environment
Work-life balance and flexible working hours (compressed work schedule option!)
Paid Time Off & Holidays
Human & Pet Bereavement
Clinic discounts to up to 75% off services for your own pet(s)
Relaxed dress code
Wellness program with professional counseling services available to employees
Animal food discount
Free or discounted adoption fees to adopt a new friend.
Sabbatical Policy
Uniform Allowance
Paid Parental Leave
Yearly performance reviews & employee engagement surveys
Student Loan Relief Eligibility through Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program